Photographic control system and apparatus having self-monitoring features

Claim 2

A control system for photographic apparatus of a type having components movable betweeN operative positions in a predetermined order to define a photographic cycle, comprising: a taking lens; means defining a chamber for receiving and securing a cassette having a given supply of photographic material; reflex component means for selectively orienting an optical path extending from said taking lens and movable during a preexposure phase of said cycle, from a viewing to an exposure position and, during a post-exposure phase of said cycle, from said exposure to said viewing position; exposure means for selectively blocking and unblocking said optical path to expose said photographic material; control circuit means for regulating the operation of said reflex component means and said exposure means to carry out a said photographic cycle, said control means having an initial state; transducer means serving as an electrical-mechanical interface from said control circuit means to said reflex component means and said exposure means, said transducer means being operative to change from an initial pre-photographic cycle condition to track said reflex component means and said exposure means performance throughout a said photographic cycle; and reset means actuable in response to select relative movement between said cassette and said chamber for returning said transducer means and said control circuit means, respectively, to said initial condition and said initial state.

Claim 3

The control system of claim 1 in which: said chamber includes loading access means movable to secure a said cassette therewithin; and said reset means includes monitor means having a unique signal condition in response to movement of a said cassette from said chamber, and means having a select signal condition in response to said loading access means movement to secure a cassette, said reset means being responsive to said select signal condition in the presence of said unique signal condition to return said transducer means and said control circuit means, respectively, to said initial states.

Claim 4

Photographic apparatus operative to carry out a sequence of operational events in a predetermined order to define a photographic cycle having a pre-exposure phase, an exposure phase and a post-exposure phase comprising: exposure mechanism means selectively actuable to block and unblock an optical path, reflex operator means movable from a viewing position during said pre-exposure phase to an exposure position orienting said optical path for said exposure phase and subsequently movable during said post-exposure phase to said viewing position; exposure control means actuable to control said exposure mechanism means during said exposure phase to define an interval of exposure and having a given output condition while said apparatus is carrying out said post-exposure phase; cycle control means for effecting the carrying out of said events defining said pre-exposure phase, for subsequently actuating said exposure control means to establish said exposure phase, and responsive to said given output condition for effecting the carrying out of said post-exposure phase; and reset means selectively actuable to effect the carrying out of said operational events defining a said post-exposure phase of a said photographic cycle.

Claim 5

Photographic apparatus operative to carry out a sequence of operational events in a predetermined order to define a photographic cycle having a pre-exposure phase, an exposure phase and a post-exposure phase comprising: exposure mechanism means selectively actuable to block and unblock an optical path, reflex operator means movable from a viewing position during said pre-exposure phase to an exposure position orienting said optical path for said exposure phase and subsequently movable during said post-exposure phase to said viewing position; exposure control means actuable to control said exposure mechanism means during said exposure phase to define an interval of exposure and having a given output condition while said apparatus is carrying out said post-exposure phase; cycle control means for effecting the carrying out of said events defining said pre-exposure phase, for subsequently actuating said exposure control means to establish said exposure phase, and responsive to said given output condition for effecting the carrying out of said post-exposure phase; and reset means selectively actuable to effect the carrying out of said operational events defining a said post-exposure phase of a said photographic cycle.

Claim 6

The photographic apparatus of claim 3 including: means defining a chamber for receiving and securing a container for an assemblage of photographic units; and wherein said reset means is actuable in response to a relative movement of a said container with respect to said chamber and the securing of said container therewithin.

Claim 7

The photographic apparatus of claim 3 wherein said reset means is selectively actuable to effect said exposure control means given output condition so as to cause the carrying out of said operational events defining a said post-exposure phase of a said photographic cycle.

Claim 8

The photographic apparatus of claim 3 wherein: said cycle control means includes: means for monitoRing the presence of photographic units within said apparatus; first transducer means having one circuit condition corresponding with a position of said reflex operator means at said viewing position and another circuit condition when located between said viewing position and said exposure position; second transducer means operative to convert from one circuit condition to another in correspondence with said reflex operator means being located between said exposure position and a select location proximate thereto, and instrumentality means actuable during said post-exposure phase to effect conversion of said first and second transducer means respectively to said one condition.

Claim 9

The photographic apparatus of claim 6 in which: said cycle control means instrumentality means is actuable in the presence of said exposure control means given output condition to effect said conversion of said first and second transducer means conditions; and said reset means is selectively actuable to effect said given output condition and said instrumentality means actuation so as to provide for the selective carrying out of said operational events defining a said post-exposure phase of a said photographic cycle.

Claim 10

The photographic apparatus of claim 3 in which: said cycle control means includes: means for monitoring the presence of photographic units within said apparatus, first transducer means having one circuit condition corresponding with the positioning of said reflex operator means at said viewing position and another circuit condition when removed from said viewing position, and exposure mechanism transducer means having one output condition responsive to said exposure mechanism means blocking said optical path and another output condition corresponding with actuation of said exposure mechanism means to unblock said optical path; and said reset means includes gate means responsive to a predetermined condition of said monitoring means, to said first transducer means other output condition and to said exposure mechanism transducer means one output condition for effecting said exposure control means given output condition.

Claim 11

The photographic apparatus of claim 3 including: means defining a chamber for receiving and securing a container for an assemblage of photographic units; and wherein said reset means is actuable in response to the relative movement of a said container within said chamber and the securing of said container therewithin.

Claim 12

The photographic apparatus of claim 9 in which: said cycle control means includes means for monitoring the status of said photographic units; and said reset means includes switch means responsive to a predetermined condition of said monitoring means for enabling said actuation to effect said exposure control means given output condition.

Claim 13

The photographic apparatus of claim 9 in which: said cycle control means includes counter means having at least one element movable from an initial position, corresponding with the removal of a said container from and subsequent insertion of a container within said receiving chamber, for monitoring a predetermined sequence of said photographic cycles; and wherein said reset means includes switch means responsive to the position of said element and having a unique circuit condition when said element is in said initial position for enabling said reset means actuation to effect said exposure control means given output condition.

Claim 14

The photographic apparatus of claim 3 wherein: said exposure control means includes means for selectively generating a signal to activate a source of artificial illumination; and said reset means is operative automatically to suppress said generation when actuated.

Claim 15

The photographic apparatus of claim 3 in which said cycle control means includes transducer means having a preliminary condition when said reflex operator means is in said viewing position and actuable to assume a Given output condition in response to said movement of said reflex operator means from said viewing toward said exposure position for monitoring said movement and enabling said cycle control means to effect the said carrying out of said events defining said pre-exposure phase.

Claim 16

The photographic apparatus of claim 13 including driven instrumentality means actuable by said cycle control means for effecting said reflex operator means movement between said viewing and exposure positions, for actuating said transducer means to assume said given output condition when said reflex operator means is moved during said pre-exposure phase from said viewing position toward said exposure position, and for actuating said transducer means to assume said preliminary condition in correspondence with said reflex operator means movement from said exposure position to said viewing position.

Claim 17

The photographic apparatus of claim 14 in which said transducer means comprises: first switch means actuable from one to another contact condition during said pre-exposure phase when said reflex operator means is moved from said viewing position; and second switch means actuable from one to another contact condition during said pre-exposure phase when said reflex operator means is proximate said exposure position.

Claim 18

The photographic apparatus of claim 15 in which said driven instrumentality means is operative to actuate said first and second switch means respectively into said one contact condition during said post-exposure phase.

Claim 19

The photographic apparatus of claim 16 including: means defining a chamber for receiving and securing a container for an assemblage of photographic units; and wherein said reset means is actuable in response to relative movement of said container with respect to said chamber and the said securing thereof within said chamber.

Claim 20

The photographic apparatus of claim 16 wherein said cycle control means includes a source of electrical energy for energizing said apparatus throughout a said photographic cycle; and said first switch means is operative to effect de-energization of said apparatus when actuated into said one contact condition during said post-exposure phase.

Claim 21

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle comprising: a housing including means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position, establishing an optical path through said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position, orienting said optical path to extend through said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; first transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved into said viewing position and having one output condition corresponding with the presence of said reflex operator means at said viewing position and another output condition when said reflex operator means is without said viewing position; second transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved within a locus of travel to and from said exposure position and a position proximate thereto and having one output condition corresponding with said movement within said locus of travel and another reflex operator means being positioned without said output condition corresponding with said locus of travel; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure means and said exposure control means, to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a said photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said second transducer means one output condition fOr enabling the actuation of said exposure control means to define a said interval of exposure.

Claim 22

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle comprising: a housing including means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position, establishing an optical path through said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position, orienting said optical path to extend through said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; first transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved into said viewing position and having one output condition corresponding with the presence of said reflex operator means at said viewing position and another output condition when said reflex operator means is without said viewing position; second transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved within a locus of travel to and from said exposure position and a position proximate thereto and having one output condition corresponding with said movement within said locus of travel and another reflex operator means being positioned without said output condition corresponding with said locus of travel; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure means and said exposure control means, to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a said photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said second transducer means one output condition fOr enabling the actuation of said exposure control means to define a said interval of exposure.

Claim 23

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 19 wherein said control means is responsive to said first transducer means one output condition for effecting the termination of a said photographic cycle.

Claim 24

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 19 in which said control means includes delay means, actuable in response to the commencement of said second transducer means one output condition, for actuating said exposure control means following a predetermined time period selected in correspondence with the time required for said reflex operator means to seat at said exposure position.

Claim 25

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 19 in which said control means includes: driven instrumentality means actuable during a given said photographic cycle to initially move said reflex operator means from said viewing position into said exposure position, and, thereafter, to return said reflex operator means to said viewing position, said driven instrumentality means having an actuator component movable synchronously and in correspondence with said movement of said reflex operator means between said viewing and exposure positions.

Claim 26

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 22 in which said driven instrumentality means includes a lost motion connection intermediate said actuator component and said reflex operator means.

Claim 27

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 22 in which: said actuator component is configured and arranged for movement along a given locus of travel in one direction toward one terminal position when said reflex operator means is moved from said viewing position toward said exposure position; and said first and second transducer means are present, respectively, as first and second switch means actuable respectively, to derive said other and one output condition in response to said actuator component moving in said one direction to predetermined positions along said locus of travel.

Claim 28

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 24 in which: said actuator component is configured and arranged for movement along said given locus of travel in another direction toward an initial terminal position when said reflex operator means is moved from said exposure position toward said viewing position; and said first and second switch means are actuable, respectively, to derive said one and other output condition in response to said actuator component moving in said other direction to predetermined positions along said locus of travel.

Claim 29

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 19: including third transducer means actuable from one condition to another when said optical path is blocked by actuation of said exposure mechanism means; and wherein said control means is responsive to said third transducer means other condition for initially actuating said reflex operator means for movement from said viewing position.

Claim 30

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position, establishing an optical path from said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position orienting said optical path to extend from said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; first transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved, and having one output condition corresponding with said viewing position and another output condition when said reflex operator means is without said viewing position; exposure mechanism transducer means actuable from one Condition to another when said optical path is blocked by said exposure mechanism means; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure mechanism means and said exposure control means to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said exposure mechanism transducer means other condition for actuating said reflex operator means to move from said viewing position.

Claim 31

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position, establishing an optical path from said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position orienting said optical path to extend from said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; first transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved, and having one output condition corresponding with said viewing position and another output condition when said reflex operator means is without said viewing position; exposure mechanism transducer means actuable from one Condition to another when said optical path is blocked by said exposure mechanism means; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure mechanism means and said exposure control means to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said exposure mechanism transducer means other condition for actuating said reflex operator means to move from said viewing position.

Claim 32

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 27 wherein said control means is responsive to said first transducer means one output condition for effecting the termination of a said photographic cycle.

Claim 33

The reflex photographic aparatus of claim 27 wherein said control means is responsive to said exposure mechanism transducer means other condition for actuating said reflex operator means to move from said exposure position to said viewing position to terminate a said photographic cycle.

Claim 34

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 29 wherein said control means is responsive to said first transducer means one output condition for selectively effecting the termination of a said photographic cycle.

Claim 35

Photographic apparatus comprising: cycle control means actuable to regulate said apparatus to carry out operational events in predetermined order to define photographic cycles; exposure mechanism means having at least one element movable under given dynamic characteristics within a given interval of time from one position to another terminal position unblocking an optical path of said apparatus, and actuable to block said optical path, monitor means responsive to the status of a supply of photographic material within said apparatus and having a unique signal condition representing the exhaustion of said photographic material supply; exposure control means responsive to said cycle control means regulation for selectively actuating said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure, and including signal means actuable in synchronism with said exposure mechanism means element movement into said terminal unblocking position and having a predetermined signal condition corresponding with the attainment of said unblocking position; and empty cycle means actuable in response to said control means regulation, to said monitor means unique signal condition and to said signal means predetermined signal condition for effecting the said actuation of said exposure mechanism means to block said optical path.

Claim 36

Photographic apparatus comprising: cycle control means actuable to regulate said apparatus to carry out operational events in predetermined order to define photographic cycles; exposure mechanism means having at least one element movable under given dynamic characteristics within a given interval of time from one position to another terminal position unblocking an optical path of said apparatus, and actuable to block said optical path, monitor means responsive to the status of a supply of photographic material within said apparatus and having a unique signal condition representing the exhaustion of said photographic material supply; exposure control means responsive to said cycle control means regulation for selectively actuating said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure, and including signal means actuable in synchronism with said exposure mechanism means element movement into said terminal unblocking position and having a predetermined signal condition corresponding with the attainment of said unblocking position; and empty cycle means actuable in response to said control means regulation, to said monitor means unique signal condition and to said signal means predetermined signal condition for effecting the said actuation of said exposure mechanism means to block said optical path.

Claim 37

The photographic apparatus of claim 31 wherein: said exposure control means includes means for selectively generating a signal to activate a source of artificial illumination; and said empty cycle means is operative, when activated, to automatically suppress said activating signal.

Claim 38

The photographic apparatus of claim 32 in which: said monitor means includes counter means having at least one element movable in correspondence with a given sequence of said photographic cycles and having a unique orientation representing said exhaustion of said photographic material supply; and said empty cycle means includes switch means responsive to the position of said element and having a select circuit condition when said element is in said unique orientation.

Claim 39

The photographic apparatus of claim 31 wherein: said exposure control means includes trigger means responsive to a select input signal for effecting the said actuation of said exposure mechanism means element to block said optical path; and said empty cycle means is operative to insert said select input signal into said trigger means in the presence of said predetermined signal condition.

Claim 40

The photographic apparatus of claim 34 in which said empty cycle means includes AND gate means gatable in response to said monitor means unique signal condition and to said signal means predetermined signal condition for inserting said select input signal intO said trigger means.

Claim 41

The photographic apparatus of claim 35 in which: said monitor means includes counter means having at least one element movable in correspondence with a given sequence of said photographic cycles and having a unique orientation representing said exhaustion of said photographic material supply; and said empty cycle means includes switch means responsive to the position of said element and having a select circuit condition establishing said monitor means unique signal condition when said element is in said unique orientation.

Claim 42

The photographic apparatus of claim 36 wherein: said exposure control means includes means for selectively generating a signal to activate a source of artificial illumination; and said empty cycle means includes suppressing means responsive to said switch means select circuit condition for suppressing said activating signal.

Claim 43

A control system for photographic apparatus of a type automatically carrying out a series of operational events defining a photographic cycle in response to the actuation thereof comprising: exposure means actuable to block and unblock an optical path to define an interval of exposure; chamber means for supporting a cassette having a given supply of photographic material monitor means responsive to the status of said photographic material within said cassette and having a unique signal condition representing the exhaustion thereof; control means responsive to said apparatus actuation and to said monitoring means unique signal condition for effecting the carrying out of a said photographic cycle wherein said exposure means is activated to fully unblock, thence immediately to block said optical path.

Claim 44

A control system for photographic apparatus of a type automatically carrying out a series of operational events defining a photographic cycle in response to the actuation thereof comprising: exposure means actuable to block and unblock an optical path to define an interval of exposure; chamber means for supporting a cassette having a given supply of photographic material monitor means responsive to the status of said photographic material within said cassette and having a unique signal condition representing the exhaustion thereof; control means responsive to said apparatus actuation and to said monitoring means unique signal condition for effecting the carrying out of a said photographic cycle wherein said exposure means is activated to fully unblock, thence immediately to block said optical path.

Claim 45

The control system of claim 38 wherein: said exposure means includes means for selectively generating a signal to activate a source of artificial illumination; and said control means is operative, when said apparatus is actuated, to suppress said activating signal.

Claim 46

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; converting means including an actuator component movable toward a terminal position to effect the positioning of a reflex component at a viewing mode location establishing an optical path from said taking lens to a viewing surface, said actuator component being movable away from said terminal position to effect the positioning of said reflex component at an exposure mode location orienting said optical path to extend from said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; first transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex component as it is moved into and away from said viewing mode position and having one output condition corresponding with said actuator component movement within a locus of travel between said terminal position and a position closely proximate thereto and having another output condition when said actuator component is without said locus of travel; and cycle control means for regulating the actuation of said converting means, said exposure means and said exposure control means to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said first transducer means one output condition for selectively effecting the termination of a said photographic cycle.

Claim 47

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; converting means including an actuator component movable toward a terminal position to effect the positioning of a reflex component at a viewing mode location establishing an optical path from said taking lens to a viewing surface, said actuator component being movable away from said terminal position to effect the positioning of said reflex component at an exposure mode location orienting said optical path to extend from said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; first transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex component as it is moved into and away from said viewing mode position and having one output condition corresponding with said actuator component movement within a locus of travel between said terminal position and a position closely proximate thereto and having another output condition when said actuator component is without said locus of travel; and cycle control means for regulating the actuation of said converting means, said exposure means and said exposure control means to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said first transducer means one output condition for selectively effecting the termination of a said photographic cycle.

Claim 48

The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 40 in which: said converting means includes motor means initially energizable during a said photographic cycle to cause said actuator component to move away from said terminal position and subsequently energizable to move saiD actuator component toward said terminal position; and said cycle control means is responsive to said first transducer means other condition for effecting the termination of said motor means initial energization.

Claim 49

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a veiwing position, establishing an optical path from said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position orienting said optical path to extend from said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; exposure mechanism transducer means actuable from one condition to another when said optical path is blocked by said exposure mechanism means; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure means and said exposure control means to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said exposure mechanism transducer means other condition for actuating said reflex operator means to move from said viewing position.

Claim 50

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a veiwing position, establishing an optical path from said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position orienting said optical path to extend from said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; exposure mechanism transducer means actuable from one condition to another when said optical path is blocked by said exposure mechanism means; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure means and said exposure control means to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said exposure mechanism transducer means other condition for actuating said reflex operator means to move from said viewing position.

Claim 51

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: a housing including means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position, establishing an optical path through said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position, orienting said optical path to extend through said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved within a locus of travel to and from said exposure position and a position proximate thereto and having one output condition corresponding with said movement within said locus of travel and another output condition corresponding with said reflex operator means being position without said locus of travel; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure means and said exposure control means, to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a said photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said transducer means one output condition for enabling the actuation of said exposure control means to define a said interval of exposure.

Claim 52

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: a housing including means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position, establishing an optical path through said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position, orienting said optical path to extend through said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved within a locus of travel to and from said exposure position and a position proximate thereto and having one output condition corresponding with said movement within said locus of travel and another output condition corresponding with said reflex operator means being position without said locus of travel; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure means and said exposure control means, to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a said photographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said transducer means one output condition for enabling the actuation of said exposure control means to define a said interval of exposure.

Claim 53

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: a housing including means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position, establishing an optical path through said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position, orienting said optical path to extend through said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved within a locus of travel to and from said exposure position and a position proximate thereto and having one output condition corresponding with said movement within said locus of travel and another output condition corresponding with said rEflex operator means being positioned without said locus of travel; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure means and said exposure control means, to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a said photographic cycle, said control means including delay means, actuable in response to the commencement of said transducer means one output condition, for actuating said exposure control means following a predetermined time period selected in correspondence with the time required for said reflex operator means to seat at said exposure position.

Claim 54

Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: a housing including means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position, establishing an optical path through said taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position, orienting said optical path to extend through said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval of exposure; transducer means for tracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is moved within a locus of travel to and from said exposure position and a position proximate thereto and having one output condition corresponding with said movement within said locus of travel and another output condition corresponding with said rEflex operator means being positioned without said locus of travel; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure means and said exposure control means, to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a said photographic cycle, said control means including delay means, actuable in response to the commencement of said transducer means one output condition, for actuating said exposure control means following a predetermined time period selected in correspondence with the time required for said reflex operator means to seat at said exposure position.

Claim 55

Photographic apparatus comprising: first means for performing a plurality of steps defining a photographic cycle wherein a record is made of an image of a scene; second means, including a control circuit having an initial state and responsive to actuating means, for initiating and sequencing the operation of said first means to effect the performance of said plurality of steps in a predetermined manner to accomplish said photographic cycle, said second means being automatically reset to its initial state upon completion of said photographic cycle; third means for selectively actuating said second means; and fourth means for resetting said second means to its initial state in the event that said second means initiates the operation of said first means but is precluded from effecting the completion of said photographic cycle.

Claim 56

Photographic apparatus comprising: first means for performing a plurality of steps defining a photographic cycle wherein a record is made of an image of a scene; second means, including a control circuit having an initial state and responsive to actuating means, for initiating and sequencing the operation of said first means to effect the performance of said plurality of steps in a predetermined manner to accomplish said photographic cycle, said second means being automatically reset to its initial state upon completion of said photographic cycle; third means for selectively actuating said second means; and fourth means for resetting said second means to its initial state in the event that said second means initiates the operation of said first means but is precluded from effecting the completion of said photographic cycle.

Claim 57

The photographic apparatus of claim 45 including means for receiving at least one film unit and said fourth means is automatically responsive to select relative movement between said film unit and said receiving means.

Claim 58

The photographic apparatus of claim 45 wherein said second means includes means for detecting the completion of at least one of said steps.

Claim 59

The photographic apparatus of claim 45 wherein said second means includes means for detecting the initiation and completion of at least one of said steps.

Claim 60

The photographic apparatus of claim 45 wherein such image is recorded on a photosensitive material and one of said steps comprises effecting the treatment of such photosensitive material with a processing fluid after such image has been recorded thereon.

Claim 61

The photographic apparatus of claim 49 wherein said first means comprises a pair of fluid spreading members and said one step comprises the advancement of such photosensitive sheet between said pair of fluid spreading members.

Claim 62

The photographic apparatus of claim 45 wherein said third means comprises manually operable switch means connected to said second means.

Claim 63

The photographic apparatus of claim 45 wherein said photographic cycle comprises pre-image recording operations, image recording operations and post-image recording operations.

Claim 64

Photographic apparatus operative from an initial orientation and condition of the components thereof to carry out a sequence of operational events in a predetermined order to define a photographic cycle, comprising: exposure means operable to selectively block and unblock an optical path, said operation serving to controllably expose a photographic film unit during an exposure phase of said cycle; processing means actuable to effect the treating of such photographic film unit during a post-exposure phase of said cycle; cycle control means for effecting the carrying out of said sequence of events to establish said exposure phase and including monitoring means responsive to said exposure means completing said exposure phase for actuating said processing means to carry out said post-exposure phase; and reset means selectively actuable to cause said cycle control means to effect the carrying out of select ones of said operational events to re-establish said initial orientation and condition of said components.

Claim 65

Photographic apparatus operative from an initial orientation and condition of the components thereof to carry out a sequence of operational events in a predetermined order to define a photographic cycle, comprising: exposure means operable to selectively block and unblock an optical path, said operation serving to controllably expose a photographic film unit during an exposure phase of said cycle; processing means actuable to effect the treating of such photographic film unit during a post-exposure phase of said cycle; cycle control means for effecting the carrying out of said sequence of events to establish said exposure phase and including monitoring means responsive to said exposure means completing said exposure phase for actuating said processing means to carry out said post-exposure phase; and reset means selectively actuable to cause said cycle control means to effect the carrying out of select ones of said operational events to re-establish said initial orientation and condition of said components.